Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Preparation for trial'

In teacher preparation, more effective pathways and practices are needed for preparing, placing, and supporting beginning teachers and principals (Darling-Hammond, 2010; U.S. Department of Education, 2009b). A common issue in the field of special education is the lack of skill transfer from one setting to another (Dieker, Hynes, Hughes, & Smith, 2008). It has been posited that “practicing up” is not ethical in that novice teachers must attempt to teach with a limited knowledge of appropriate pedagogy and skill (Dieker et al., 2008). The new challenge becomes finding an effective mechanism that provides essential learning experiences and opportunities to refine teaching techniques to the highest standards of fidelity in a safely controlled and coordinated environment (Odom, 2009). Perhaps because of the ethical concerns in honing teacher skills on actual children, and despite the strong demand for professionals who are trained in discrete trial teaching (DTT), few studies have been published on training methodologies and fidelity of implementation (Fazzio, Martin, Arnal, & Yu, 2009). The training of teachers to implement evidence-based interventions such as DTT with fidelity while they are working with students with ASD cannot be over-emphasized in a teacher preparation program (Scheuermann, Webber, Boutot, & Goodwin, 2003; Simpson, 2004; 2005). The researcher utilized the TLE TeachLivE simulation classroom laboratory at the University of Central Florida as a mechanism to infuse cutting-edge technology and learning activities within program/project coursework. The TLE TeachLivE virtual classroom serves as a venue for pre-service and practicing teachers to safely gain proficiency and enhance fidelity of implementation of evidence-based practices. Participants experienced an immersive, real-time environment that featured interactions with Austin, an avatar that portrayed a student with autism. A trained interactor remotely controlled the behavior and responses of the avatar with which teachers engaged for practice sessions consisting of ten discrete trials. Between sessions, participants received individualized clinical coaching (ICC) on their performance. Upon termination of the intervention, two generalization probes were conducted to measure retention of fidelity over time within actual classroom settings. Results indicated that all five participants strongly benefited from learning DTT with ICC in the TLE TeachLivE learning platform. Across participants, the overall mean gain in fidelity from baseline phase (14%) to intervention phase (80%) was 66%. The fidelity means of participants in the generalization phase held to 90%, thus supporting the use of virtual environments for teacher preparation. Mean time among participants to attain higher than mastery level performance of 90% in intervention was 1.25 hours. This resulted in shorter training times than previously researched training programs (Arnal et al., 2007; Fazzio et al., 2009; Leblanc, & Luiselli, 2005; Thiessen et al., 2009). This investigation endeavored to reduce the potential of diminished pupil learning gains as a necessary consequence when honing skills in the appropriate delivery of instruction of discrete trial teaching.<br>ID: 031001415; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Adviser: Wilfred D. Wienke.; Title from PDF title page (viewed June 14, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-161).<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Education and Human Performance<br>Education; Exceptional Education

Mestrado em Biomedicina Farmacêutica<br>Duo to all of the challenges related with the production and logistics of the investigational medicinal products, this project aims to make an overview about the development of an investigational medicinal product, and the main details that must be considered in the preparation, packaging, labelling and distribution of investigational medicinal products, in order to provide a quick reference tool in a professional and academic context. A review was made in the international literature to identify studies focusing on development and handling of investigational medicinal products, mainly through PubMed and Medline databases, although it has also resorted to guidelines, some books on the subject, and master and doctoral thesis. Only English language papers were selected. Whenever possible, it were selected the most recent articles. During the development of IMP, solubility, as well as bioavailability assessment and bioequivalence studies, are the most challenging steps in the early phase of preparation of IMPs. Concerning the IMP production, the critical aspects, such as comparators, blinding and package, will determine the success of the entire clinical trial. When the IMP is fully prepared, it enters in the different clinical trials phases, with the aim of providing a range of information, such as efficacy and safety. This whole process must meet a series of requirements previously established, and adequate trained staff, in order to minimize the costs associated with the development of the IMP, as well as accelerate its market entry. It is important to note some limitations in the review. Although there is a wide range of information on the preparation of investigational medicinal products, little information was found on the logistics. In a future work, it would be interesting to further explore the distribution of investigational medicinal products, addressing the main unsatisfactory results of audits, in a clinical trial environment, and find tools and procedures to prevent nonconformities.<br>Face a todos os desafios relacionados com a produção e logística do medicamento experimental, este projeto tem como objetivo fornecer uma visão geral sobre o desenvolvimento de um medicamento experimental, assim como os principais detalhes que devem ser considerados na preparação, embalagem, rotulagem e distribuição de medicamentos experimentais, de forma a fornecer uma ferramenta de referência rápida em contexto profissional e académico. Foi realizada uma revisão na literatura internacional para identificar estudos com foco no desenvolvimento e distribuição de medicamentos experimentais, principalmente através de bases de dados como o PubMed e Medline, embora também se tenha recorrido a guidelines, e alguns livros e teses de mestrado e doutoramento sobre o objeto de estudo. Foram selecionados apenas artigos na língua inglesa. Sempre que possível, foram selecionados os artigos mais recentes. Durante o processo de desenvolvimento de um medicamento experimental, os estudos de solubilidade, assim como os de biodisponibilidade e bioequivalência, são os maiores desafios nas fases iniciais de desenvolvimento. Atendendo à produção do medicamento experimental, aspectos críticos, como os comparadores, os processos de blinding e embalamento, são determinantes para o sucesso de todo o ensaio clínico. Após a completa preparação do medicamento experimental, este é introduzido nas diferentes fases de ensaio clínico, com o objetivo de fornecer uma ampla informação, como a eficácia e a segurança. Todo este processo deve englobar uma série de requisitos previamente estabelecidos, assim como uma equipa devidamente treinada, de forma a minimizar os custos associados ao desenvolvimento do medicamento experimental, acelerando a sua entrada no mercado. É importante ressalvar que embora exista uma ampla gama de informação sobre a preparação de medicamentos experimentais, foi encontrada pouca informação sobre a logística, sendo fundamental, no futuro, explorar mais a temática da distribuição de medicamentos experimentais, abordando os principais resultados não satisfatórios das auditorias, no âmbito dos ensaios clínicos, e encontrar ferramentas e procedimentos para evitar as nãoconformidades.

<p>Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to acquire knowledge about whether tactile touch as a complementary method can (i) promote comfort and (ii) reduce stress reactions during care in an intensive care unit (ICU) Method: In Paper I, five nurses with a touch therapist training were interviewed about their experiences of preparation before giving tactile touch in an ICU. To analyse the meaning of preparation as a phenomenon, Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological approach was used. In Paper II and III a randomised controlled trial was set up to investigate the effects of a five-day tactile touch intervention on patients’ oxytocin levels in arterial blood (II), on patients’ blood pressure, heart rate and blood glucose level, and on patients’ levels of anxiety, sedation and alertness (III). Forty-four patients were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 23). Data were analysed with non-parametric statistics. In Paper IV, six patients who had received the tactile touch intervention were interviewed to illuminate the experience of receiving tactile touch during intensive care. To gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and to illuminate the meaning, Ricoeur’s phenomenological hermeneutical method, developed by Lindseth and Norberg, was used. Findings: The nurses need four constituents (inner balance, unconditional respect for the patients’ integrity, a relationship with the patient characterized by reciprocal trust and a supportive environment) to be prepared and go through the transition from nurse to touch therapist (I). In the intervention study, no significant differences were shown for oxytocin levels between intervention and control group over time or within each day (II). There were significantly lower levels of anxiety for patients in the intervention group. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for blood pressure, heart rate, the use of drugs, levels of sedation or blood glucose levels (III). The significance of receiving tactile touch during intensive care was described as the creation of an imagined room along with the touch therapist. In this imagined room, the patients enjoyed tactile touch and gained hope for the future (IV). Conclusion: Nurses needed internal and external balance to be prepared for providing tactile touch. Patients did not notice the surroundings as much as the nurses did. Patients enjoyed the tactile touch and experienced comfort. The impact on stress parameters were limited, except for levels of anxiety which declined significantly. The results gave some evidence for the benefit of tactile touch given to patients in intensive care.</p>

Design of sensory multi-session trials with preparation constraints Designs for sensory studies must satisfy several requirements. Usually a given number of products are to be evaluated and there is an upper limit to the number of assessors available. Due to variation in sensory perception, inter-assessor product comparisons are preferred. For large product numbers, trials are split into sessions to avoid sensory fatigue and the sequential presentation of products can cause order and carry-over effects. Thus, resolvable row-column or cross-over designs are required, which ensure that each assessor tastes all products the same number of times. In this thesis a three-step procedure is proposed to generate designs for trials where the number of products prepared for or served in each session is limited. First, an incomplete block design with a special column structure, the preparation design, is created, assigning products to sessions. Secondly, a cross-over design is constructed, assigning the columns of the preparation design to assessors. In the third step the two designs are combined by identifying the column-order of the preparation design that results in the highest average efficiency of the complete cross-over design. Search algorithms for incomplete block and cross-over designs are modified to produce preparation and panel designs with a special structure to guarantee resolvability of the complete sensory design. This procedure has been enhanced to produce designs for trials involving a control and several test products, in which control-test comparisons are estimated with higher precision than test-test comparisons. Two distinct construction methods have been developed for this case. By using factorial preparation designs the three step procedure can also be adapted for creating factorial multi-session designs with or without a control product.

The body of work presented here is a compendium of the multiple steps required for an investigator initiated trial of an existing medication (Valproic Acid- VPA) for a new indication (Retinitis Pigmentosa – RP). The chapters are listed in logical and chronological order of the process. In order to access patient records an expedited Institutional Review Board (IRB) application for retrospective chart review was submitted (Chapter 1). These records enabled the statistical analysis which not only laid the framework for the trial design, but also became the basis for two manuscripts (Chapter 2). Protocol development informed by the preliminary human studies (Chapter 3) was an instrumental part of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application (Chapter 3.5). This protocol along with the extensive case report forms that detail the intended data to be collected are included in the IND application. Because the Phase II clinical trial proposed attempting to identify the specific RP mutations of the subjects utilizing a National Eye Institute (NEI) study that enabled free genotyping services, two IRB applications were submitted (Chapter 3.6). The first was for approval of the NEI genotyping protocol, the second involved the VPA intervention. Two very different sources of funding for this trial were attempted (Chapter 4) – the NIH via the Challenge Grant mechanism and a private eye disease foundation (Foundation Fighting Blindness). In Chapter 5 I detail the alternate study designs that were considered and developed for this trial (and ultimately abandoned). Finally, in Chapter 6, I formally detail my suggestions to aid in the development of a comprehensive investigator initiated core facility at UMMMC. The goal of this project was two-fold. The first was to learn the entire process of trial and protocol design both from a Umass Institutional perspective as well as from the perspective of the FDA. The second goal was the very real prospect of helping patients with a blinding disease. This work was successful on both counts. IRB approval was received for all the submitted applications. The complexity and uniqueness of many aspects of these submissions culminated in a comprehensive learning experience. The process of working with the Umass Research Pharmacy as well as developing the industry contacts and know-how to develop a workable and financially feasible placebo were both particularly important learning experiences. FDA approval of the IND submission was also received, and the process of pre-communication and delving into the considerable and ever-changing rules and regulations resulted in an extensive and valuable knowledge base. While the practicality of funding has limited the ability of this trial to move forward at this point, given the extensive framework laid by this body of work, we are actively pursuing other opportunities. The third outcome of this work, while not as intentional, was the considerable process of determining the specific competencies and infrastructure that exist at UMMMC to enable investigator initiated drug intervention studies. While this institution is clearly moving rapidly in the direction of translational research, the many needs of these studies are often only clearly understood when the process is specifically undertaken. In completing the approval of this Phase II clinical trial, I was not only able to better understand and define the existing capabilities of UMMMC for this kind of research, I was able to add to that infrastructure when the existing knowledge or skill set was not available. In this manner, I was able to inform and guide many of the support personnel who guided me and have become a part of the strategic direction of UMMMC towards clinical translational research.

RPGR-associated retinitis pigmentosa is among the most severe forms of RP and is an important target for gene therapy trials. There is however a lack of robust clinical data on this condition. The aim of this thesis is therefore to investigate and characterise the natural history with protocol-driven, prospectively acquired structural and functional data on molecularly confirmed subjects. Investigations into retinal structure were conducted with data obtained from protocol driven spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging. Visual function assessments were performed with visual acuity, contrast senstivity and Octopus 900 static perimetry testing using a customised grid. Three-dimensional topographic models were created from perimetry data with the use of advanced software to produce volumetric metrics for further interrogation. Quantitative analyses of structure or function were comprehensively undertaken with each modality to bilaterally characterise baseline dimension and progression rates of subjects. In addition, a broad range of metrics were investigated to identify ones that are most sensitive and suitable for use in characterising the natural history, with the expectation that these metrics will be utilised in studying future outcomes of treatment trials. In general, good overall interocular symmetry was found however significant variation exists across subjects. Indices to quantify intraocular symmetry were constructed and explored. Associations between progression, age, baseline dimension and genotype were investigated. Younger subjects typically possessed greater baseline dimensions. Faster rates of progression were found in those with better baseline structure and function. Exponential decline rates for each modality were calculated with a mixed-models method using pooled data from the cohort to estimate overall progression. In comparison to functional metrics, structural metrics were more sensitive in detecting change with the characterisation of greater progression rates. The optical coherence tomography based ellipsoid zone (EZ) width metric was found to be more precise compared to the EZ area metric. With regards to autofluorescence based metrics, those derived from outer borders of hyperautofluorescent rings were superior to metrics derived from inner borders of rings. Ring area was found to be more robust compared to ring diameter metric. Functional metrics are nevertheless important as they reflect the subject's visual experience. Visual function in the earlier stages of disease is best characterised by metrics of peripheral function with decline in the later stages better characterised by metrics of central function. Work presented in this thesis is expected to provide a much-needed resource to inform recently commenced treatment trials, in addition to providing prognostic information to clinicians caring for individuals with the condition.

A cohort of HIV-1 seronegative male trucking company workers was established in the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa, for the purposes of preparing them for HIV-1 preventive vaccine trials. The cohort was one of only three prospective male cohorts which have published data on heterosexual HIV-1 acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa, the continent most affected by this pandemic. HIV-1 seroincidence was measured and correlates of HIV-1 acquisition, including other STDs, were examined. Results of almost three year's of follow-up, and data on anticipated acceptance of the conditions of an HIV-1 vaccine trial are presented. o The baseline seroprevalence for antibodies to HIV-1 was 17% and the prevalence of active syphilis was 4.5%. o HIV-1 seroincidence was 4.0% per annum in 990 person years of follow-up. Multivariate Hazard analysis revealed a strong association between HIV-1 acquisition and occupation of driver or assistant (HR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.1-7.9), any sex with a partner other than a spouse (HR 4.2, 95% CI: 1.3-13.6), and a trend towards higher incidence with uncircumcised status (HR 2.0, 95% CI: 0.9-4.6). No association between STD and HIV-1 acquisition was found with an observed incidence of symptomatic gonococcal and non-gonococcal urethral discharge of 18.2% per annum, and 4.3% per annum for genital ulcer disease. o There were highly significant declines in extramarital sexual contacts from 50% to 40% in three month follow-up time blocks (p < 0.001), and sex worker contacts from 12% to 6% (p=0.001), in a time trends analysis which included 494 person- years of follow-up. No significant change in condom use was recorded over time. Consistent (100%) condom use remained at approximately 30% of men engaging in extramarital sex with a partner other than a spouse. o Highly significant declines in the incidence of observed and reported sexually transmitted diseases were measured over the course of follow-up (p < 0.001) in the first 494 person-years of follow-up. In the absence of data from the general population, it is not possible to attribute these declines to the behavioural and treatment interventions of the project, but it does document that the climate is right for behaviour change, and decrease in STD acquisition, in men in this setting. o Prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic urethral infections {N gonorrhoeae, C trachomatis, or T vaginalis) was 11.5% in a cross-sectional study which included HIV-1 seropositive men, following the documented decline in symptomatic STDs. Over two thirds of infections were asymptomatic. The leucocyte esterase dipstick (LED) urine screening test for urethral inflammation had a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 82%, in asymptomatic men. The LED test was the most accurate predictor of asymptomatic urethral infection. Risk assessment on the basis of demographic and behavioural characteristics did not prove useful. T vaginalis was the most common urethral infection and was associated with older age. o Eighty six per cent of 201 HIV-1 seronegative men interviewed in a vaccine acceptability survey stated that they felt at personal risk of HIV infection, and 84%) of men declared interest in participation in an HIV preventive vaccine trial. However, 17% of men stated that they would increase risk behaviour if they pai'ticipated in an HIV vaccine trial.

<p>Artemisia Afra, a popular South African traditional herbal medicine is commonly administered as a tea infusion of the leaves. However, clinical trials proving it safety and efficacy are lacking mainly due to the absence of good quality dosage forms and credible placebos for the plant. The objectives of this study were to prepare a standardized preparation of the plant leaves and freeze-dried aqueous extract powder of the leaves, in a tea bag dosage form and to design and prepare credible placebos for these plant materials.</p>

Disertacijoje analizuojama informuoto asmens sutikimo įgyvendinimo klinikiniuose vaistinio preparato tyrimuose problema. Pateiktos informacijos supratimas yra viena svarbiausių asmens apsisprendimo dalyvauti klinikiniame tyrime sąlygų. Moksliname darbe vertinamas pacientų, dalyvaujančių placebu kontroliuojamuose klinikiniuose vaistinio preparato tyrimuose Lietuvoje (toliau – klinikinių tyrimų dalyviai), informuotumas apie klinikinius tyrimus, akcentuojant informuotumą apie klinikiniuose tyrimuose taikomus mokslinius metodus (placebo kontrolę, dvigubą aklumą, atsitiktinį tiriamųjų grupių sudarymą). Klinikinių tyrimų dalyvių informuotumas buvo tiriamas atliekant anoniminę apklausą. Mokslinio darbo rezultatai parodė, kad teisinis reglamentavimas sudaro prielaidas klinikinių tyrimų dalyvių informuotumui, tačiau jų informuotumas yra nepakankamas. Respondentai buvo geriau informuoti apie klinikinių tyrimų dalyvių teises nei apie klinikinių tyrimų metodologiją, tačiau informuotumas apie klinikinių tyrimų metodologiją yra svarbesnė prielaida bendram informuotumui. Dauguma klinikinių tyrimų dalyvių nesuprato vieno ar daugiau iš trijų pagrindinių klinikiniuose tyrimuose taikomų mokslinių metodų (placebo kontrolės, dvigubo aklumo, atsitiktinio tiriamųjų grupių sudarymo) ir buvo linkę suteikti jiems terapinę reikšmę. Tyrimo rezultatai sudaro prielaidas kryptingam klinikinių tyrimų dalyvių informuotumo gerinimui, informacijos apie klinikinius tyrimus viešinimui.<br>The dissertation aims to analyse the problem of informed consent in clinical drug trials. Understanding of the provided information is one of the basic components of a person’s sound and informed decision to participate in a clinical trial. Our research evaluated informedness about clinical trials of patients participating in clinical drug trials in Lithuania, with emphasis on the informedness about key elements of clinical trial design (placebo-control, double-blindness, and randomisation). An anonymous survey of patients participating in clinical drug trials was conducted for the purposes of this study. The results of the study reveal that the legal framework sets the basis for adequate informedness about clinical trials of clinical trial participants, however, patients participating in placebo-controlled clinical trials are insufficiently informed about clinical trials. Patients participating in placebo-controlled clinical trials are better informed about the rights of clinical trial participants than about clinical trial design, however, informedness about design is a more important condition for overall informedness. The majority of placebo-controlled clinical trial participants do not understand at least one of the three key elements of clinical trials design and they tend to interpret the scientific methods used in clinical trials therapeutically.

Saw palmetto berries (Sereona repens) are used today for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is an age dependent disease leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and impacts negatively sexual functions (SDys). I carried out the first clinical pilot trial to assess if a saw palmetto treatment in patients with BPH symptoms and concomitant SDys is efficacious and safe on both groups of symptons. After 8 weeks of treatment with 320mg saw palmetto extract daily, the BPH symptoms assessed with the International Prostate Symptome Score IPSS were reduced from 14.4 ± 4.7 to 6.9 ± 5.2 (P < 0.0001) . At the same time SDys measured with the brief Sexual Function Inventory bSFI improved from 22.4 ± 7.2 to 31.4 ± 9.2 (P < 0.0001), and with the Urolife BPH QoL-9 questionnaire from 162.7 ± 47.9 to 105.0 ± 56.3 (P < 0.0001). The treatment was very well tolerated and accepted by the patients. Another subject of the thesis was to investigate the quality of products from 8 countries which contained saw palmetto and are sold as treatments of BPH symptoms. For each of the 46 analyzed products the amount of the main active constituent, the fatty acids was determined using gas chromatography. The quantity of fatty acids per daily dosage varied widely between the commodities and also the composition of the samples was very heterogenous. A last aspect of this thesis was to investigate how saw palmetto was historically introduced into the German speaking medical practice. The first recorded mention of saw palmetto in a German medicinal publication was in 1892. From then on saw palmetto grew more and more popular among German homeopathic doctors and was often mentioned in their publications. The homeopathic doctors were ones in the end having made saw palmetto popular as a medicinal treatment in Germany. In conclusion, this thesis shows how saw palmetto made its way into medical practice in Germany, that saw palmetto preparations on the markets differ widely in their content of active constituents and thus higher quality demands from regulatory authorities are warranted, and for the first time that saw palmetto is not only an efficacious and safe treatment for BPH symptoms but also for concomitant SDys.

Ce travail concerne l'elaboration et l'etude de ligands (azotes et oxygenes) a base cyclohexanique, susceptibles d'effectuer la separation selective des lanthanides et des actinides trivalents. Les ligands ont ete obtenus soit par hydrogenation catalytique d'aromatiques polyfonctionnels, soit par substitution nucleophile sur des derives cyclohexaniques polysulfones. Des complexes ml et ml#2 ont ete caracterises en phase solide (par diffraction des rayons x) avec les ligands polyhydroxyles l1 (1,3,5-cyclohexane-triol) et l2 (1,2,3-cyclohexane-triol). Les complexes se forment dans des solvants organiques (acetonitrile pour l1, methanol pour l2) et sont detruits au contact de l'eau. En solution organique, l'analyse par rmn a basse temperature associee a la spectrometrie de masse (es-ms) a mis en evidence la presence d'un equilibre entre deux formes complexees (ml et ml#2). Cet equilibre evolue en fonction de rapport de concentration (metal/ligand), du cation lanthanide et de l'anion. La selectivite des deux ligands a ete estimee par competition de sel. Elle reste faible sur la serie des lanthanides (quelques unites sur la serie). Le taci (1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trihydroxy-cyclohexane) et le tdci (1,3,5-tridimethylamino-2,4,6-trihydroxy-cyclohexane) fournissent des complexes m#3l#2 stables en solution aqueuse. La formation des complexes qui depend du ph est associee a une reaction acido-basique. Chaque metal est lie a quatre alcoolates et deux amines. Des mesures potentiometriques ont permis d'evaluer les constantes de formation des complexes sur la serie des lanthanides. Elles evoluent de facon monotone du lanthane au lutetium (qui est l'element le mieux complexe). La selectivite du taci et du tdci est elevee et permet de separer les lanthanides specifiquement. Une etude preliminaire d'extraction liquide-liquide a ete realisee sur ces ligands. De facon generale, ces essais ont confirme l'insuffisance de lipophilie des extractants.

Due to a multitude of convergent circumstances, students labeled in the disability category of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) experience high rates of academic and behavioral failure. Such failure frequently leads to the students' dropping out of school, involvement in the judicial system, or a combination of those outcomes. Science is an academic content area that has the potential to enhance behavioral and academic success of students with EBD. Researchers, nonprofits, and business leaders have provided an impetus for nationwide reform in science education. Concurrently, a corpus of legislation has influenced the preparation of new teachers to use evidence-based teaching practices while addressing the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Using technology is one way that teacher educators are providing in-vivo learning experiences to new teachers during their classroom instruction. A multiple-baseline across-participants research study was used to examine the effectiveness of providing immediate feedback (within three seconds) to novice general science educators to increase their use of an evidence-based teaching strategy, known as a three-term contingency (TTC) trial while they taught. Feedback was delivered via Bug-in-the-Ear (BIE) technology and during whole-class instruction in which students with EBD were included. The teacher participants wore a Bluetooth earpiece, which served as a vehicle for audio communication with the investigator. Teachers were observed via web camera over the Adobe&"174;ConnectTM online conferencing platform. During the intervention, teachers increased their percentage of completed TTC trials, opportunities to respond, and praise or error correction. Student responses also increased, and maladaptive behaviors decreased.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Dean's Office, Education<br>Education and Human Performance<br>Education; Exceptional Education

La première partie de l’étude est consacrée à l’invocation, intra et extra muros, du droit à un procès équitable. Sont analysés ainsi, dans un premier temps, l’applicabilité directe de l’article 6 et la subsidiarité de la Convention par rapport au droit national et de la Cour Européenne des Droits de l’Homme par rapport aux juridictions nationales. Le droit à un procès équitable étant un droit jurisprudentiel, l’étude se focalise, dans un second temps, sur l’invocabilité des arrêts de la Cour Européenne et plus précisément sur l’invocabilité directe de l’arrêt qui constate une violation du droit à un procès équitable dans une affaire mettant en cause l’Etat et l’invocabilité de l’interprétation conforme à l’arrêt qui interprète l’article 6 dans une affaire mettant en cause un Etat tiers. L’introduction dans l’ordre juridique français et hellénique de la possibilité de réexamen de la décision pénale définitive rendue en violation de la Convention a fait naitre un nouveau droit d’accès à la Cour de cassation lequel trouve son terrain de prédilection aux violations de l’article 6 et constitue peut-être le pas le plus important pour le respect du droit à un procès équitable après l’acceptation (par la France et la Grèce) du droit de recours individuel. Quant au faible fondement de l’autorité de la chose interprétée par la Cour Européenne, qui est d’ailleurs un concept d’origine communautaire, cela explique pourquoi un dialogue indirect entre la Cour Européenne et la Cour de cassation est possible sans pour autant changer en rien l’invocabilité de l’interprétation conforme et le fait que l’existence d’un précédent oblige la Cour de cassation à motiver l’interprétation divergente qu’elle a adoptée.La seconde partie de l’étude, qui est plus volumineuse, est consacrée aux garanties de bonne administration de la justice (article 6§1), à la présomption d’innocence (article 6§2), aux droits qui trouvent leur fondement conventionnel dans l’article 6§1 mais leur fondement logique dans la présomption d’innocence et aux droits de la défense (article 6§3). Sont ainsi analysés le droit à un tribunal indépendant, impartial et établi par la loi, le délai raisonnable, le principe de l’égalité des armes, le droit à une procédure contradictoire, le droit de la défense d’avoir la parole en dernier, la publicité de l’audience et du prononcé des jugements et arrêts, l’obligation de motivation des décisions, la présomption d’innocence, dans sa dimension procédurale et personnelle, le « droit au mensonge », le droit de l’accusé de se taire et de ne pas contribuer à son auto-incrimination, son droit d’être informé de la nature et de la cause de l’accusation et de la requalification envisagée des faits, son droit au temps et aux facilités nécessaires à la préparation de la défense, y compris notamment la confidentialité de ses communications avec son avocat et le droit d’accès au dossier, son droit de comparaître en personne au procès, le droit de la défense avec ou sans l’assistance d’un avocat, le droit de l’accusé d’être représenté en son absence par son avocat, le droit à l’assistance gratuite d’un avocat lorsque la situation économique de l’accusé ne permet pas le recours à l’assistance d’un avocat mais les intérêts de la justice l’exigent, le droit d’interroger ou faire interroger les témoins à charge et d’obtenir la convocation et l’interrogation des témoins à décharge dans les mêmes conditions que les témoins à charge et le droit à l’interprétation et à la traduction des pièces essentielles du dossier. L’analyse est basée sur la jurisprudence strasbourgeoise et centrée sur la position qu’adoptent la Cour de cassation française et l’Aréopage<br>The first party of the study is dedicated to the invocation of the right to a fair trial intra and extra muros and, on this basis, it focuses on the direct applicability of Article 6 and the subsidiarity of the Convention and of the European Court of Human Rights. Because of the fact that the right to a fair trial is a ‘‘judge-made law’’, the study also focuses on the invocability of the judgments of the European Court and more precisely on the direct invocability of the European Court’s judgment finding that there has been a violation of the Convention and on the request for an interpretation in accordance with the European Court’s decisions. The possibility of reviewing the criminal judgment made in violation of the Convention has generated a new right of access to the Court of cassation which particularly concerns the violations of the right to a fair trial and is probably the most important step for the respect of the right to a fair trial after enabling the right of individual petition. As for the weak conventional basis of the authority of res interpretata (“autorité de la chose interprétée”), this fact explains why an indirect dialogue between the ECHR and the Court of cassation is possible but doesn’t affect the applicant’s right to request an interpretation in accordance with the Court’s decisions and the duty of the Court of cassation to explain why it has decided to depart from the (non-binding) precedent.The second party of the study is bigger than the first one and is dedicated to the guarantees of the proper administration of justice (Article 6§1), the presumption of innocence (Article 6§2), the rights which find their conventional basis on the Article 6§1 but their logical explanation to the presumption of innocence and the rights of defence (Article 6§3). More precisely, the second party of the study is analyzing the right to an independent and impartial tribunal established by law, the right to a hearing within a reasonable time, the principle of equality of arms, the right to adversarial proceedings, the right of the defence to the last word, the right to a public hearing and a public pronouncement of the judgement, the judge’s duty to state the reasons for his decision, the presumption of innocence, in both its procedural and personal dimensions, the accused’s right to lie, his right to remain silent, his right against self-incrimination, his right to be informed of the nature and the cause of the accusation and the potential re-characterisation of the facts, his right to have adequate time and facilities for the preparation of the defence, including in particular the access to the case-file and the free and confidential communication with his lawyer, his right to appear in person at the trial, his right to defend either in person or through legal assistance, his right to be represented by his counsel, his right to free legal aid if he hasn’t sufficient means to pay for legal assistance but the interests of justice so require, his right to examine or have examined witnesses against him and to obtain the attendance and examination of witnesses on his behalf under the same conditions as witnesses against him and his right to the free assistance of an interpreter and to the translation of the key documents. The analysis is based on the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and focuses on the position taken by the French and the Greek Court of Cassation (Areopagus) on each one of the above mentioned rights

碩士<br>中國文化大學<br>材料科學與製造研究所<br>91<br>Printed circuit board (PCB) is a mainstay of electronic industry. It is often made of laminated sheets, mostly copper clad laminate (CCL) which is composed of base paper, resin and copper foils. Aramid fiber has excellent properties such as low density, high tensile strength, high tensile modulus, low moisture content and few impure ions that affect electrical properties, in addition, these recycled aramid fibers have negative thermal expansion coefficient (TEC). Four kinds of base paper were made under different formula conditions, and three different quantities contained dispersing agents were added into paper. By the comparison, such as tensile strength, bursting strength, porosity and paper smoothness, we try to find the ratio of dispersing agents suitable for Kevlar. Then, three kinds of base paper were made under different formula conditions by Vinylon and Kevlar. A series of studies of the physical properties of base sheets, such as tensile strength, bursting strength, porosity and paper smoothness, were experimentally tested and effect factor and performance of the assembled Printed circuit board were discussed. As the result, it was found that the pulp formula of Vinylon:Kevlar=95:5 and NBKP:Kevlar=30:70, 2.0%dispersing agents was added into paper, which have better physical properties than the others.

碩士<br>中國文化大學<br>材料科學與製造研究所<br>87<br>The demand for air conditioning equipment is increasing rapidly as a result of the continuous growth of our living standard. In the subtropical region such as Taiwan, the summer is hot and humid and this causes a heavy loading for the air conditioning system. Therefore, there is a lot of enthalpy energy difference between the outside air and the indoor air. The objectives of this research are to reduce the energy consumption of air-conditioning in ventilation and to increase the indoor air quality（IAQ）. Using the total heat exchangers to recycle the exhausting indoor air would reduce the energy loading of air-conditioning. This factors have lead to provide strong incentive to develop more efficient paper-made total heat exchangers. In this study, the NBKP, ceramic fibers and inorganic filler, such as chitin, molecular sieve and aluminum oxide, were used to make the plate base sheets, which are the major component unit of paper-made total heat exchangers. The optimum composition of the base sheets for the total heat exchangers were experimentally investigated. A series of studies of the physical properties of base sheets, such as tensile strength, tearing strength, ring crush strength, porosity and wet-permeation, were experimentally tested and the effect factors and performance of the assembled total heat exchangers were discussed. As the result, the paper-made total heat exchangers which with the ratio of NBKP and ceramic fiber is 4 to 1 and adding 30% absolute dried filler of aluminum oxide have the best wet-permeation.

碩士<br>中國文化大學<br>材料科學與奈米科技研究所<br>96<br>In this study, we used Kevlar fiber that because it has excellent properties such as low density, high tensile strength, high tensile modulus, low moisture content and negative thermal expansion coefficient (TEC)，and we also used this fiber to manufacture the paper by machine for the sake of better interknitted, and then we used this paper as compared with another Kevlar fibrous paper by handcrafted；and Kevlar fibrous paper which mixed 50% Teflon fiber. When we fabricated the printed circuit board(PCB), we used epoxy resin to soak Kevlar fibrous paper fabricated by machine, another by handcrafted and Kevlar fibrous paper mixed with 50% Teflon fiber. And we used epoxy resin mixed with 20% TBBPA soaked Kevlar fibrous paper fabricated by machine. We used all of PCB test for depth, density, weight, hydrous rate, spongy rate, DMA and TGA. The results we got from experiments that although Kevlar fibrous paper fabricated by machine is not enough about depth, but in the physical property, it is better than other fibrous paper . About the printed circuit board, when we mechanized fibrous paper of handmade which is not changed from quality. The physical property is nearly Kevlar fibrous paper which mixed with 50% Teflon fiber. As compared with resin, the epoxy resin mixed with 20% TBBPA is better than epoxy resin in hot quality. And we used the epoxy resin mixed with 20% TBBPA to manufacture printed circuit board of Kevlar by machine, which is not debased in electric and physical property. If we can use Kevlar fibrous paper which mixed with 50% Teflon fiber by machine, and use the epoxy resin mixed with TBBPA，it must be better in quality.

碩士<br>義守大學<br>材料科學與工程學系<br>104<br>Nuclear matrix protein no.22(NMP22), 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid(3-HAA) and kynurenic acid(KYNA) were found in patients’ urine of with bladder cancer. In this work, Zinc oxide(ZnO) rods were hydrothermally grown on a gold substrate; the rods had an average length and diameter of 1.08±0.11 μm and 265.31±39.91 nm, respectively. NMP-22, 3-HAA and KYNA were imprinted into poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol), EVAL, which were coated onto ZnO rod arrays. Using non-invasive electrochemical detection in urine samples by portable potentiostat. The higher imprinting effectiveness for NMP-22 was obtained with 27 mole % of ethylene. The electrochemical response with MIPs/ZnO electrodes was 1.5-fold higher than that with MIPs by the injection microfluidic CV system. In human clinical trials, the sensitivity of NMP-22 and 3-HAA were 75.0 and 87.5%.

This thesis is concerned with "concentration of proceedings" and its limits. Concentration of proceedings is a means of ensuring expeditious, economical and effective civil process. In Czech law, it applies in particular in the contentious proceedings. Concentration of proceedings is closely related to the principle of concentration which one of the general principles of civil law procedure, and is opposed to the principle of unitary process. The concentration of proceedings may take place at several points in time in the process in connection with the end of the preparatory meeting, of the first hearing and the announcement of the first instance judicial ruling. The concentration of proceedings is necessarily interconnected with the "principle of partial appelation" which applies in appeal proceedings against first instance judicial rulings under the Act. No. 99/1963 Coll., civil procedure act, as amended. The application of the concentration of proceedings also relates to the concept of "qualified call for response". In fact, it is not uncommon that the functioning of concentration of proceedings is misunderstood, including by the courts themselves who often misapply the relevant provisions of the civil procedure act with the view of avoiding concentration of proceedings. In my practical...

碩士<br>國立中興大學<br>化學工程學系<br>90<br>When thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesives possess crystalline components as their soft-segments, they generally exhibited superior performances over those without. The formers usually have higher green strengths and provide stronger bonding characteristics after applications. Utilization of polycaprolatone diols (PCL Diols) as the major soft segment component has become one of the most sought-after approach in making adhesive TPUs. Poly-caprolactone diols (PCL Diol) of high molecular weight are crystalline raw materials. TPUs prepared from PCL Diols have been shown to form rapid phase-segregation in the polymer morphology. As a result, the crystalline TPU adhesives possess excellent adhesive properties. Solubility of the TPU in non-toxic solvent such as acetone is also high. In short, crystalline TPUs have many advantages sought in industrial applications such as shoe-making industry. Our research begins with composition analyses of some commercial crystalline TPU adhesives such as Pearlstick 45-60/18 from Merquinsa and Desmocoll-540 of Bayer. Then we studied their possible raw materials used and determined their crystalline characteristics, molecular weight distributions, solubility and their adhesive performances. From those analyses as our guide, we then developed similar formulations and attempted to prepare TPU adhesives using two processing techniques. Since the analysis has shown that the major raw materials of TPU adhesives are consisting of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), butanediol (BDO), and a polyester diols such as PCL Diols as the major raw materials, we have screened several commercial PCL Diols of different molecular weights and initiators for TPU preparations. In order to match properties of our TPU products with the commercial TPUs, four TPUs with hard to soft ratios of 1.0, 0.8, 0.6 and 0.4 (BDO/PCL Diols) were also prepared. Finally, the thermal and crystalline properties of all these prepared TPU were gathered. Among them, we were able to identify that a (BDO/PCL-3000 diol) ratio of 0.6 would have high similarity to the commercial products. A preliminary continuous preparation of the TPU adhesive using a twin-screw extruder has been tried.

碩士<br>國立臺北大學<br>法學系<br>94<br>Preparations for trail are focused on preparation procedures .In criminal proceedings, preparation procedures performed before judgment is an institution in which adequate measures are primed to facilitate effectiveness in oyer and terminer. Its purpose is to make relevant preparation for the verdict, instead of replacing verdict itself. Under the adversary system, the principal should be substantially prepared and participate in the preparation procedures in person. To ensure substantial equality for the principal, the nation should actively provide the accused with assistance of a pleader. The judge who dominates the preparation procedures should also be properly authorized to take measures required. Prerequisites in the preparation procedure are: (1) Subject to the verdict should be verified. (2) Convenience and feasibility of the procedures should be validated. (3) The court should spare no effort to collect evidence associated with pleas of the principal. (4) The principal should propose all the arguments and evidences, as well as issues; in principle, after closing of preparation procedures, new arguments and evidences irrelevant to the issue should not be raised, so as to procure cognizance centered at the issue. (5) Admissibility of evidences should be confirmed; consents from the “principal” or “any party whose right is directly infringed during evidence collecting” would substantiate this admissibility. Finally, appropriate chances for relief should be granted to the principal.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2006.<br>Advisor: Timothy M. Logan, Florida State University, College of Arts and Science, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 15, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 63 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

The researcher identified in her work as a social worker that sexually abused adolescents experience difficulties with testifying in court. The goal of this research was directed at developing guidelines to assist adolescents who have to testify in court. The researcher utilised the qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive nature. Semi-structured interviews were done with a sample of adolescents who have testified in court, a sample of parents or caregivers of adolescents who have testified in court and social workers working with adolescents who testify in court. These interviews were conducted to gain insight into how the research participants experienced the court process in order to formulate guidelines for adolescents who have to testify in court. The researcher concluded that adolescents experience testifying in court as negative. Guidelines were developed from the information obtained from the research participants to support adolescents who has to testify in court.<br>Social work<br>M.Diac. (Play therapy)